I have a lump in my throat listening to Leonid and Friends nail this Tower of Power song. When I see how the strings, horn section keyboard and back up singers perform with such joy, it makes me emotional. The young lead singer gets it. He has so much soul in his voice. This performance is such a tribute to the original.
7 місяців тому+4
Funny how these songs can make a lot of us emotional. I'm the same way. Just amazing hearing these songs redone.
Welcome to the Leonid and Friends fan club! Every song they cover is a masterpiece. Now, imagine an American group covering a foreign band impeccably, not just with the musical notes but the pronunciation and vibe.
Given the stunning performance of Leonid and Friends, it is easy to overlook one of the most beautiful sights in the video. Pay close attention to one of the lady violin players. She has a break from playing during the song..........she has her headphones on, and is just GROOVIN to the song as she listens to it being played, just like millions of others have over the 55 years they have been together. That is just Wonderful!
As you said in another review, the changes in technology makes most of Leonid and Friends covers better than the original. Michael Puntov, the lead vocal won a vocal competition when he was about 9, so he's a very talented artist. The way Leonid deconstructs and reorchestrates a song that he hears is simply genius.
I have had the good fortune of seeing TOP and Chicago and EWF live, and by far their is no one that even comes close as this group when covering these groups. They are even better in some instances than the originals.
Same here. Just saw them a couple weeks ago in LA. Only a few blocks away from the Wiltern theater where I saw Tower of Power years ago. And earth, wind and fire in their heyday at the forum just a few miles farther. These guys and Ksenia are outstanding musicians!
Saw them last year (2023) April 20 at the Plaza Live in Orlando. After being addicted to their UA-cam videos, I was blown away by their live performance. In addition, they are very entertaining, especially the sax player! I have front row seats for this years' tour, April 17, in the Savannah Center, in The Villages, Florida. Tommy B
Stop the B/S this band doesn't come close to TOP first off the lead singer voice is weak the horn section is fair the only reason that your white man rating a white singer.
Each and every time you look at the face of anyone in the strings session, you will see the biggest smile that face has ever produced...they are having a blast!
Tower of Power's horn section is truly a force of nature. So is Leonid's horn section. What an ear he has for arrangements. He gets it right every time.
Love these guys!! We saw them for the first time last month. They were fantastic. This guys singing lead has just an incredible voice that filled the room. Thanks for sharing and appreciate the video. Respects.
I've had the joy of catching them live twice now, and what is amazing is how they reproduce this studio sound live. And an old musician myself, I'm with ya, they just blow it out of the water.
Yea...this group has no boundaries...they are super good. Everything they play is a masterpiece...they do Chicago,E.W.& Fire and many more...I love this group.
About one minute in, chills hit my arms and legs and remained until the song ended. Blown away by this group once again. Jeff, you rock my friend. Thank You.
I’m enjoying watching this man as he watches all the songs so many of us love from Leonid and Friends. You, kind sir, will get a ton of folks following you. 👍
I love watching your reaction on this video. I listen to music every day and artists like Dirty Loops and Leonid has brought me back to when I started to listen to music, 1969-70 and how amazing it was to discover Beatles, Chicago, Stevie Wonder and others. Can`t describe that feeling, and here I am so many years later having that same feeling. Blows my mind. I think the "machinery" in the recording studios has put a veil over the human performance. What I really like about Leonid`s band is that there is an ending in every song, and no fade out.- I guess you have heard all their songs now. I just discovered "East river" and a couple of others.
L&F is amazing. These masterclass level musicians and vocalists shine every time. The live in-studio ensemble recording is unique to these guys and it creates an energy you can’t get any other way. You get to see how the sausage is made and it is the best sausage in the world.
I'm a San Francisco boy who grew up listening to Tower of Power in the 70s and this was AWESOME! It brought back fond memories of slow dancing to this song at junior high dances. I love the homage to the TOP horns as Leonid's horn section are doing the same choreography that the TOP horns do at their live shows. Emilio and the rest of Tower of Power would be proud.
Was born in Oakland in 1970 and grew up listening to this iconic Soul/ Funk band and Might I say you guys captured the essence of this band and your cover was spot on! You’re an amazing band also!
Just saw Leonid & Friends here in Southern California last night, 11/12/23, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. My wife is a professional musician, and she was blown away by the musicianship and perfection of their performance of every song!
This is one of my favorite songs and this is so spot on. Basically everything they do is this good regardless of who they are doing. They started as a Chicago tribute and branched out. Their Earth Wind and Fire stuff is excellent as well. I’ve also seen them live.
Leonid takes each song and listens and picks them apart for each musician which is amazing the attention to detail and ear for each tone. As you said amazing.
We saw these guys last Thursday night at The Canyon in Montclair, Ca. They were amazing! We were there a year ago so this was our second time to see them. What an incredible talent!!
Epic!! Their covers are over the top. Love their covers of Earth, Wind and Fire. Also love the covers of Chicago. My favorite has to be Chicago's " Searching So Long." This cover of Tower Of Power is right on as usual.
tyvm for checking this one out as its one of my favorites. the look on your face when Michael starts singing says it all Michael's voice lights up the room for me. needless to say, live, this song is a real treat. there should be a link to their video in the music dictionary next to "in the pocket". ☮❤🙏
I listened to Tower of Power back in college in the 70's. Big fan of Leonid and Friends and when I heard this....wow. I relisten to this cut over and over, frequently. Fantastic in every way!~
The Superstar cover by this band just opened a new world of an amazing band. Thank you so much for sharing!! I just listen to Chicago cover and I was floored by these musicians. Thank you !!
They're one of the best--if not the best cover bands ever! They work so hard to honor the bands they cover, and in some cases, I think they sound better than some of the originals because they take such care. They're just phenomenal artists. I imagine it would really an honor to have Leonid and friends cover your songs.
Brother, this band is so awesome. That’s one of my favorite songs and I saw it on UA-cam and I was standing at this TV just so happy watching this and listening to it. They’re perfect and every way it’s unbelievable. They’re so good brings out so many awesome emotions in myself, after all this song came out the year I was born 72
By far one of greatest performances by Leonid and friends. Spine tingling. There is a god, one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. So perfect. Thank you tower of power and Leonid and friends. As you said so syrup. Can't get any better!!! Thank you so much. Love your reaction. You are great as well. Made my day....
Jeff, how many different songs can one band cover and leave me speechlees and wondering if i was dreaming.. That song has been one of my top 5 favorites from the first time i heard it back in the 70's. What a brillant version this is. This man's voice is so unique. I never thought anyone would sing this as good as Lenny Williams until now. Everyone is this group pays attention to detail down the the smallest adlib and I think that is a huge part of what separates this band from the others.
Like you, I love Voces8 and... Leonid and friends! It was therefore normal that through the magic of algorithms I ended up discovering your channel! So I am a “new kid” here, very happy with this wonderful meeting. Thank you Jeff for sharing your musical favorites with this great and admirable sensitivity of yours! Kind regards from France.
i have been very fortunate to have seen, heard and meet these very gregarious, talented artists twice! Every single one of them are so delightful to engage with. Sure there is a language barrier since most of them do not speak English fluently but the embraces, the hand shakes, the smiles? It's all there! They are selling out all of the venues they play at. If y'all want to see them? Y'all got to buy those tickets way in advance! Y'all won't be disappointed! ~Nak~
The showmanship, in addition to the musicianship, is nothing short of amazing when seeing these wonderful artists live. You owe it to yourself to go see them when they come to your area.
I was there with you Jim… mind blowing concert in person… they were and are the best musicians I’ve ever listened to. Shear musical brilliance and precision beyond anything else out there. I’m so in love with this group and every song they’ve sung.
The study time that kid singing the lead certainly spent to mimic so closely the nuance of the original studio recording must have been endless. Damn near spot on, trumpet solo as well. Needless to say the rest were extremely faithful to the original. These musicians never cease to entertain me.
I seen this group 2 years ago, and it was probably one of the best band’s I’ve seen in a long time . Sellersville PA can’t wait to see them again ! Outstanding group 👍
I’m not sure if you ever come back and read old comments....8 months ago, already, that you first starting hearing L & F. Now you’ve got almost all of their music under your belt. So grateful for this band and for your reviews. I come here often to re-listen to it all. 👍
These guys are so freekin good Dont know why I tear up listening to it. Its so spot on. I love TOP, but these guys IMHO, take what TOP does and somehow improves on it. They are simply amazing
Amazing Leonid wrote the first songs by ear ,with out being able to get or find sheet music for tunes ....writes are exactly to the T for each instrument and piece.. see them Live they are just as acoustically Great .
I have a lump in my throat listening to Leonid and Friends nail this Tower of Power song. When I see how the strings, horn section keyboard and back up singers perform with such joy, it makes me emotional. The young lead singer gets it. He has so much soul in his voice. This performance is such a tribute to the original.
Funny how these songs can make a lot of us emotional. I'm the same way. Just amazing hearing these songs redone.
Welcome to the Leonid and Friends fan club! Every song they cover is a masterpiece. Now, imagine an American group covering a foreign band impeccably, not just with the musical notes but the pronunciation and vibe.
You are so right. L & F are incredibe
Well said and accurate
Perfection 🎉❤
Good afternoon my Friend! You've already become addicted like Us! 😊
Given the stunning performance of Leonid and Friends, it is easy to overlook one of the most beautiful sights in the video. Pay close attention to one of the lady violin players. She has a break from playing during the song..........she has her headphones on, and is just GROOVIN to the song as she listens to it being played, just like millions of others have over the 55 years they have been together. That is just Wonderful!
One of the things I love about these guys is that they all seem to be having such a great time doing what they're doing. Joyful to watch.
I've noticed this too....! Lovely 💕💕to see how much she is enjoying this spot on musical performance. And she's part of it ;-)
i believe LENNY WILLIAMS would be proud of that vocal . wow! excellent! SALUTE.
As you said in another review, the changes in technology makes most of Leonid and Friends covers better than the original. Michael Puntov, the lead vocal won a vocal competition when he was about 9, so he's a very talented artist. The way Leonid deconstructs and reorchestrates a song that he hears is simply genius.
Tower of Power,Lighthouse,Chicago,EW&F,Blood, Sweat & Tears-these guys are amazing!
Micheal just knocks this one out of the park.
Leonid and Friends do AMAZING cover songs. Watch their entire collection and you will realize that L&F IS THE BEST Cover Band in the World.
I’m a 73 year old man and I right now have tears of joy in my heart! I do love this song and remember those Tower of Power days!😃
@@dennisclark2515 you get it my friend!
I have had the good fortune of seeing TOP and Chicago and EWF live, and by far their is no one that even comes close as this group when covering these groups. They are even better in some instances than the originals.
Same here. Just saw them a couple weeks ago in LA. Only a few blocks away from the Wiltern theater where I saw Tower of Power years ago. And earth, wind and fire in their heyday at the forum just a few miles farther. These guys and Ksenia are outstanding musicians!
Saw them last year (2023) April 20 at the Plaza Live in Orlando. After being addicted to their UA-cam videos, I was blown away by their live performance. In addition, they are very entertaining, especially the sax player! I have front row seats for this years' tour, April 17, in the Savannah Center, in The Villages, Florida.
Tommy B
Stop the B/S this band doesn't come close to TOP first off the lead singer voice is weak the horn section is fair the only reason that your white man rating a white singer.
Each and every time you look at the face of anyone in the strings session, you will see the biggest smile that face has ever produced...they are having a blast!
@@Trapper50cal and they're thinking "Vee were raised on Shastakovich and Rimsky korsakov bot dece Tower Of Power eez very nice too! Much fun !"
Tower of Power's horn section is truly a force of nature. So is Leonid's horn section. What an ear he has for arrangements. He gets it right every time.
Not surprising from Leonid and Friends. They are masters...so well done!!
From Russia with Love ❤😂
Leonid and friends can do it all
Puntov nails the vocals. Hell...they ALL nail everything! Great reaction, sir. Spot on.
Love these guys!! We saw them for the first time last month. They were fantastic. This guys singing lead has just an incredible voice that filled the room. Thanks for sharing and appreciate the video. Respects.
BEST BAND IN THE LAND !
I've had the joy of catching them live twice now, and what is amazing is how they reproduce this studio sound live. And an old musician myself, I'm with ya, they just blow it out of the water.
They are the best cover band out there, Leonid is a genius, in how he transcribes music, not easy to do.
The singer is from other planet... wowww outstandingggggg
World be marvelous that band comming to México... ufff
So Very Hard to Go has always been a great song..Leonid & Band just give it a punch and we appreciate the hell out it. This is an A+
Michael's voice is awesome!! the orchestra...the horns..guitars...drums....Ksenia and her backup group....😀💕💥👍
And every one of them is Russian speaking as their first language and speak little english. Stunning.
There is also Ukrainian talent
@@patrickrussell1888 Serge left the band after Russia invaded Ukraine. He's stuck in Kiev.
Ksenia speaks 4 languages, english being one of them.
@@nancy9478 8 languages actually very talented lady
Leonid is amazing! Self taught, does all the composing/scoring from ear!!!
Yea...this group has no boundaries...they are super good. Everything they play is a masterpiece...they do Chicago,E.W.& Fire and many more...I love this group.
About one minute in, chills hit my arms and legs and remained until the song ended.
Blown away by this group once again. Jeff, you rock my friend. Thank You.
🫶🫶🫶
My, my, my oh my!!!!!
I’m enjoying watching this man as he watches all the songs so many of us love from Leonid and Friends. You, kind sir, will get a ton of folks following you. 👍
I love watching your reaction on this video. I listen to music every day and artists like Dirty Loops and Leonid has brought me back to when I started to listen to music, 1969-70 and how amazing it was to discover Beatles, Chicago, Stevie Wonder and others. Can`t describe that feeling, and here I am so many years later having that same feeling. Blows my mind. I think the "machinery" in the recording studios has put a veil over the human performance. What I really like about Leonid`s band is that there is an ending in every song, and no fade out.- I guess you have heard all their songs now. I just discovered "East river" and a couple of others.
Love the baritone sax, really completes the song
L&F is amazing. These masterclass level musicians and vocalists shine every time. The live in-studio ensemble recording is unique to these guys and it creates an energy you can’t get any other way. You get to see how the sausage is made and it is the best sausage in the world.
Another awesome performance by L & F is Chicago's Street Player.....Incredible!!!!
one of my favourites too. Arturo is amazing on it
I'm a San Francisco boy who grew up listening to Tower of Power in the 70s and this was AWESOME! It brought back fond memories of slow dancing to this song at junior high dances. I love the homage to the TOP horns as Leonid's horn section are doing the same choreography that the TOP horns do at their live shows. Emilio and the rest of Tower of Power would be proud.
Was born in Oakland in 1970 and grew up listening to this iconic Soul/ Funk band and Might I say you guys captured the essence of this band and your cover was spot on! You’re an amazing band also!
Oakland soul music from Moscow! Wow! Spot on!
Just saw Leonid & Friends here in Southern California last night, 11/12/23, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. My wife is a professional musician, and she was blown away by the musicianship and perfection of their performance of every song!
Another brilliant review from you Jeff, so great to see the enjoyment and appreciation from you, for this amazing group of musicians
Thanks Tony!
How can you say more than WOW!! Incredibly WOW!!!
This is one of my favorite songs and this is so spot on. Basically everything they do is this good regardless of who they are doing. They started as a Chicago tribute and branched out. Their Earth Wind and Fire stuff is excellent as well. I’ve also seen them live.
Leonid takes each song and listens and picks them apart for each musician which is amazing the attention to detail and ear for each tone. As you said amazing.
I would love to hear your analysis of their version of Chicago’ “ Beginning’s, the vocals, rhythm guitar, bass, drums, man !!!💯
That baritone sax just takes me over the edge every time he plays it 🎉❤
Spot on the original. I would have given anything to hear this performance live in that studio.
We saw these guys last Thursday night at The Canyon in Montclair, Ca. They were amazing! We were there a year ago so this was our second time to see them. What an incredible talent!!
Epic!! Their covers are over the top. Love their covers of Earth, Wind and Fire. Also love the covers of Chicago. My favorite has to be Chicago's " Searching So Long." This cover of Tower Of Power is right on as usual.
tyvm for checking this one out as its one of my favorites. the look on your face when Michael starts singing says it all
Michael's voice lights up the room for me.
needless to say, live, this song is a real treat.
there should be a link to their video in the music dictionary next to "in the pocket".
☮❤🙏
@@davidlevine1697 🫶
This is simply stunning. This group is out of this wold fantastic
Brilliant!! Lost in this number the singer freeking amazing..
Well done guys ✅
I listened to Tower of Power back in college in the 70's. Big fan of Leonid and Friends and when I heard this....wow. I relisten to this cut over and over, frequently. Fantastic in every way!~
The Superstar cover by this band just opened a new world of an amazing band. Thank you so much for sharing!! I just listen to Chicago cover and I was floored by these musicians. Thank you !!
You should listen to their Chicago covers like “25 or 6 to 4” or their Earth, Wind and Fire covers like “After the Love Has Gone”. Stupendous!
They're one of the best--if not the best cover bands ever! They work so hard to honor the bands they cover, and in some cases, I think they sound better than some of the originals because they take such care. They're just phenomenal artists. I imagine it would really an honor to have Leonid and friends cover your songs.
Brother, this band is so awesome. That’s one of my favorite songs and I saw it on UA-cam and I was standing at this TV just so happy watching this and listening to it. They’re perfect and every way it’s unbelievable. They’re so good brings out so many awesome emotions in myself, after all this song came out the year I was born 72
By far one of greatest performances by Leonid and friends. Spine tingling. There is a god, one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. So perfect. Thank you tower of power and Leonid and friends. As you said so syrup. Can't get any better!!! Thank you so much. Love your reaction. You are great as well. Made my day....
Music is the great equalizer.
Jeff, how many different songs can one band cover and leave me speechlees and wondering if i was dreaming.. That song has been one of my top 5 favorites from the first time i heard it back in the 70's.
What a brillant version this is.
This man's voice is so unique.
I never thought anyone would sing this as good as Lenny Williams until now.
Everyone is this group pays attention to detail down the the smallest adlib and I think that is a huge part of what separates this band from the others.
It was just perfect... so glad they performed this.
Like you, I love Voces8 and... Leonid and friends! It was therefore normal that through the magic of algorithms I ended up discovering your channel! So I am a “new kid” here, very happy with this wonderful meeting. Thank you Jeff for sharing your musical favorites with this great and admirable sensitivity of yours! Kind regards from France.
Welcome my friend! 😃
Ele canta tão lindo com emoção q eu sinto a musica e lindo❤
i have been very fortunate to have seen, heard and meet these very gregarious, talented artists twice! Every single one of them are so delightful to engage with. Sure there is a language barrier since most of them do not speak English fluently but the embraces, the hand shakes, the smiles? It's all there! They are selling out all of the venues they play at. If y'all want to see them? Y'all got to buy those tickets way in advance! Y'all won't be disappointed! ~Nak~
The showmanship, in addition to the musicianship, is nothing short of amazing when seeing these wonderful artists live. You owe it to yourself to go see them when they come to your area.
Great video. I love this band. Incredible cover.
Magical…love these guys….soooo good
Just saw them live in Charleston, SC 5/8/2024. Amazing show. Great live. I encourage everyone to go see them if you get a chance.
I was there with you Jim… mind blowing concert in person… they were and are the best musicians I’ve ever listened to. Shear musical brilliance and precision beyond anything else out there. I’m so in love with this group and every song they’ve sung.
The study time that kid singing the lead certainly spent to mimic so closely the nuance of the original studio recording must have been endless. Damn near spot on, trumpet solo as well. Needless to say the rest were extremely faithful to the original. These musicians never cease to entertain me.
The best band on the Planet period. Leonid who transposes the arrangements and adds to them is a genius.
So nice to hear from a music professionals critique of this band!! They truly, are so great!
Esta verción es mejor que la original, lejos.
Exelentes musicos y cantantes.
Salu2 dsd San Luis, Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷
so geil
Chills and tears!!
I seen this group 2 years ago, and it was probably one of the best band’s I’ve seen in a long time . Sellersville PA can’t wait to see them again ! Outstanding group 👍
I’m not sure if you ever come back and read old comments....8 months ago, already, that you first starting hearing L & F. Now you’ve got almost all of their music under your belt. So grateful for this band and for your reviews. I come here often to re-listen to it all. 👍
@@dotlund1096 🫶🫶🫶
Brings tears of Joy!
There covers of "Chicago" and "Earth, Wind, and Fire" are legendary. I would love to see you do a whole series on these guys.
Great job I like your reaction, Leon and friends. They are super musicians.
Grupo maravilhoso os músicos td perfeito
TOP is the epitome of live performance. They've been doin' it right for EVER. L&F respects TOP with their cover. Love 'em both!
I love the emotion you feel about these amazing musicians. I get to re-live the way i felt 5 years ago when i discovered Leonid & Friends.
Просто блеск!!!!👏👏👏👏👏💐
Music has no barrier it was just shone. Dam that young brother nail it tower of power is proud of you brothers. Dam that was Good
I love your reactions to hearing n watching these fantastic ppls it brings tears to my eyes seriously ❤
@@lindabergman3127 awwwwww 🫶🫶🫶
@@StrateleStudioshopefully you’re safe n doing ok with all the horrible wildfires 🌹🌹🙏🙈
@ luckily I’m out of range! 🙏🫶
You ought to see them live. Phenomenal band!
My reaction to this video was very similar to yours the first time I seen it. Thank you for the upload.
So, seriously, how f-ing remarkable ARE these folks ! ?
These guys are so freekin good
Dont know why I tear up listening to it. Its so spot on. I love TOP, but these guys IMHO, take what TOP does and somehow improves on it. They are simply amazing
They are!
Holy Moly! Got chills listening to this!
Amazing! I was 16 years old when this song came. Couldn’t stop crying! A lot of memories
Such a STRONG !! Horn section love it.
Another Masterpiece done Masterful…..
Awesome version. Perfect
Some great picks for your next L&F songs: Chicago: 25 or 6 to 4, Blood Sweat & Tears: Spinning Wheel, Earth Wind & Fire: September
You should hear these guys do Earth Wind and Fire. Note perfect and yet exciting and fresh.
I was just about to post the same.
Can’t wait going to see them in Austin in October 2024 seen them two years ago in Sellersville PA
Leonid & friends lo mejor en cover tengo poco de conocer esta agrupacion excelentes musicos, cantantes. ,👍👍👍👍🇩🇴
Thanks!
Thank you!
I get goosebumps listening to these guys.
That horn section!!!!!❤❤
Amazing Leonid wrote the first songs by ear ,with out being able to get or find sheet music for tunes ....writes are exactly to the T for each instrument and piece.. see them Live they are just as acoustically Great .
Wow.. this really choked me up. I'm speechless.
@@closeoutsaleusa5322 👏👏👏🫶
So very well done